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Elijah's Story

Usually I would post a photo as a visual reference with each story but this one will be a little different.  Recently, I've been in the shadows of a story about little Elijah Johnson.  Elijah was born in November of 2004.  A few days following his birth, Elijah's parents realized that his behavior was a little strange and he spiked a fever.  Like any good parents they took the ever so dreaded trip to the ER. The diagnosis was, Salmonella Meningitis. Salmonella Meningitis? From what I've learned it's contracted from exotic animals (lizard, snakes & turtles to name a few), children and the elderly are very susceptible to the deadly menace.

Fast forward to December 2008, Elijah's story has become a lot more complex as he clings to life, but his parents position remains the same.  In my conversation with Elijah's father Jackson "J.J." Johnson he stressed to me that he and his wife Meredith wanted to make people aware of the dangers and risk of having these exotic pets.  The Johnson's are a family on a mission.  A mission that extends well beyond the four walls of their home.  They want to inform as many people as possible about the risk of ownership of these pets; as they weren't at the time of their purchase. 

In closing, I've learned a great deal by following, listening and focusing on the heart of a champion.  Elijah's story has about ten different sub-stories. My favorite is how a family stands strong when one member is down.  Society says that men aren't leaders in their homes anymore.  J.J. Johnson dispels all of societies mythes. Meredith is the perfect example of what a relentless dedicated mother and wife should be.  Society can't top that.  Last but not least, Elijah. The little fella has the heart of a LION, a fighter.  His speech has been silenced by his illness but his voice is loud and clear.  So I urge you along with the Johnson family if you have little ones or plan to, please do some extended research prior to your pet purchases.  

From the Goal Line Media Productions family we'd like to thank the Johson's for sharing their story.  For more information on Elijah's story click on Elijah's story below.

ELIJAH'S STORY         

Comments

Anonymous said…
I just learned sumthin new....J.J u never seize to amaze me.....and no i didn't cry on this blog...lol
December 14, 2008 at 4:06 AM
Anonymous said…
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
February 3, 2010 at 5:10 AM
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